The Savabeel colt out of A Real Princess, purchased by Shadwell Stud was the
first horse presented under the Lime Country Thoroughbreds banner for sale in
Australia, he is now also the highest priced Savabeel yearling to be sold in
Australia in addition to being his breeder John Bromley's greatest success in
the sales ring. "It feels like I've won the Cox Plate, I'm absolutely rapt and I'm still sitting here half-an-hour later absolutely tingling and buzzing all over," said Bromley.
"I watched it online at home alone. I was walking around in circles yelling out the f-word at frequent intervals.
"My previous best sale result was $470,000 for his half-brother, Kingdoms. I bought back 25% of him after the sale. He's won close to $600,000 now including a third in the Australian Derby and a couple of listed wins."
Bromley was quick to praise vendors Greg and Jo Griffin of Lime Country Thoroughbreds who moved from the Hawke's Bay, to the old Think Big Stud, in Burradoo just two months ago.
"One of my philosophies in life and in business is that I love supporting young people," said Bromley, who had not previously done business with the Griffins.
"Jo has always taken the time to stop and talk to me and I really respect her and Greg. They're a young couple making their way, I watched what they did in Hawke's Bay with interest and I was rapt when I saw that they were going to Australia.
"I could have used one of the big established farms but I thought 'blow it' these guys are professional, I relate to them well, I like them as people and they've done a magnificent job preparing the horse."
Jo Griffin stated interest had been strong in the horse on the grounds from a wide variety of potential buyers.
"He was a powerful colt, an early foal and I think spot on fitness and condition wise come sales time," she said.
"It has been extremely rewarding to get a result like this for John who has invested a lot of money in his business over the years and we are utterly chuffed for him.
"No doubt it's good for the market to see we have managed to hit the ground running at the new property and that Lime Country are getting good results for clients straight from the get-go."
While some would say Bromley has had a lot of luck in the short time he's been involved with horses, he's a firm believer that you make your own luck.
"I started Bromley Bloodstock in 2003 knowing nothing about the business," he said. "I'm a very analytical person. I use three pedigree analysts and the U.K. based Brain International computer-based pedigree analysis company when deciding my matings, they rated this cross 175, which is very good.
"The Aulide family is a lovely family and Savabeel over O'Reilly mares is a proven cross. A Real Princess always produces nice types so, I'm very hopeful for his new owners, he's got the pedigree to make a bloody good racehorse."
A Real Princess has also produced a five-year-old gelding named A Red Prince (NZ) (Red Giant) who is a dual winner for Bromley and an unraced three-year-old filly named Baronessa (NZ) (Cape Blanco) which fetched $300,000 at the 2015 NZB Premier Yearling Sale. She went to Stud in Australia in 2015, where she has a Redoute's Choice weanling filly, she's in foal to him again and Bromley is hoping to mate her with Fastnet Rock this season.
"I started off as a small-time breeder but I've decided now that you've got to go for the quality end of the market. My seven best mares are in Australia now and they have been for the past three years."
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